Third-party toothbrushing is associated with a positive patient experience: randomized, single-blind,...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Dental Hygiene
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Increasing age correlates with a higher need for assistance with oral hygiene.
• Previous research analyzed the clinical effectiveness of caregiver-provided oral hygiene assistance.
• This study focuses on patient perceptions during third-party toothbrushing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patients' pleasant and unpleasant perceptions during assisted toothbrushing.
• To determine if these perceptions are influenced by the caregiver's qualifications.
• To investigate the impact of manual versus powered toothbrushes on patient experience.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study developed a patient perception questionnaire.
• Content validity was ensured through a Delphi process.
• A secondary analysis involved 39 periodontitis patients randomized into four groups based on caregiver (layperson/professional) and toothbrush type (manual/powered).

Main Results:

• Patients reported predominantly positive feelings about being brushed by a third party.
• Positive perceptions extended to the interaction with the person assisting with brushing.
• Neither the professional background of the caregiver nor the toothbrush type significantly affected patient perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Patient perceptions of third-party toothbrushing are mainly positive, encompassing wellbeing and interaction quality.
• Caregiver qualification and toothbrush type (manual vs. powered) did not significantly influence these perceptions.
• Findings suggest a positive patient experience regardless of specific caregiver or tool used in assisted oral hygiene.